The first formal exhibition or professional appearance of the model aeroplane in public as an entertainment was made in connection with the first aviation meet held at Asbury Park, New Jersey. Two of the most successful model builders, Percy Pierce and Frank Schoeber, of the New York Model Aero Club, were engaged to give exhibition flights for one hour a day in the intervals between the flights of Arch Hoxey, Johnston and other aviators of the Wright Brothers staff.
[Illustration: An original design by Harry McAllister]
[Illustration: An interesting experiment in stability]
[Illustration: An early model built by E.G. Halpine]
The models were flown for more than 200 feet and were enthusiastically applauded. The aeroplanes in miniature imitated the flights of the man-carrying craft with wonderful fidelity, rising from the ground and soaring aloft in long, graceful curves. They came as a very welcome variety, and could be watched without breaking one’s neck gazing aloft, or the unpleasant possibility of a serious accident. The applause of the thousands gathered for the meet may be said to have definitely established the model aeroplane as a feature of these tournaments.
The model aeroplane has one great advantage over the man-carrying machines. It makes possible indoor aviation, and may be enjoyed the year round, and is especially effective for evening entertainment. The fortnightly meets in one of the great New York armories, some time since, attracted the attention of the officers, and the boys were invited to give exhibition flights in connection with athletic games. The first of these meets was held under the auspices of the New York Model Aero Club, in connection with the Greek athletic games, in the interval between the games and the ball which followed.
An audience of fully 3,000 people, crowding the armory, witnessed the flights. Some twenty members of the club entered the contest. In a public contest of this kind, much depends upon the system of flying. The floor must be kept clear and the flights follow one another so quickly that the interest will not lag for a moment, and the audience have no opportunity to tire. The flights on this occasion went with a rush and proved in every way so successful that the rules which made this program are given in full on another page.